Rangers’ Soft Centre Exposed Again: Barry Ferguson Faces a Major Challenge
Rangers’ recent victory over Dundee may have secured three crucial points, but the performance itself raised far more questions than it answered. This was not the dominant, controlled display that fans would expect from a team aiming to challenge for the title. Instead, Rangers had to dig themselves out of a hole, coming back from 3-1 down to snatch a dramatic win.
Interim manager Barry Ferguson has made it clear that results are his priority, rather than the style of football being played. This is an understandable approach, especially given Rangers’ inconsistency this season. However, the nature of their performances suggests that the underlying problems within the squad run deeper than just a question of tactics. The team lacks resilience, struggles to impose itself from the outset, and has been guilty of allowing opponents to dictate the tempo far too often.
If Ferguson is serious about landing the Rangers job on a permanent basis, he must prove that he can toughen up a squad that has been far too easily bullied this season. The key to that lies in addressing Rangers’ biggest weakness—their “soft centre.”
Ferguson’s Walter Smith-Inspired Approach to Winning Ugly
Ferguson’s emphasis on results over style is a philosophy that mirrors that of former Rangers manager Walter Smith, who mastered the art of winning ugly. Under Smith, Rangers were known for their ability to grind out results, especially in high-pressure situations. They were organized, disciplined, and defensively sound.
However, the current Rangers side lacks those qualities. While they have shown flashes of good football this season, there have been far too many occasions where their weaknesses have been brutally exposed. The difference between Rangers and Celtic in recent seasons has often been in Old Firm matches, where Celtic have been able to assert their dominance. But this year, Rangers’ biggest problems have come in games like this—away to Dundee, where they have lacked the physicality and authority needed to secure straightforward victories.
Ferguson understands this issue, and he has been vocal about the need for his players to be more streetwise. In his pre-match press conference, he reiterated the importance of winning over playing attractive football. However, his post-match demeanor told the full story—he was fuming with his team’s performance, despite taking all three points.
It is clear that Ferguson knows what needs to change, but implementing that change is another challenge entirely.
A Performance That Raised More Concerns Than Confidence
Rangers’ performance against Dundee was a perfect example of their current shortcomings. For much of the match, they were second-best. They lacked intensity, were too easily outmuscled, and struggled to cope with Dundee’s energy and aggression.
At 2-0 down, Rangers looked in serious trouble. At 3-1, it seemed inevitable that they were going to drop points. Dundee were the better side in almost every department—they were sharper, more physical, and more determined. At one stage, it looked like they could score a fourth, a fifth, or even a sixth goal.
But then, something changed. Rangers finally woke up. They started to play with more urgency, showing the kind of determination that had been missing for most of the match. It was only at this point—when they were staring defeat in the face—that they managed to take control.
Cyriel Dessers epitomized Rangers’ night. He had an abysmal performance for much of the game, missing chance after chance. His 2/10 player rating seemed fair, given his wastefulness in front of goal. But to his credit, he kept going. His persistence eventually paid off when he scored the winning goal—his hardest chance of the night.
However, Rangers cannot afford to rely on individual moments of perseverance to get them out of trouble. A team with genuine title aspirations should not be in a position where they are scrambling to mount a comeback against Dundee.
A Mentality Issue That Needs to Be Fixed
The most frustrating aspect of Rangers’ performance was that they only started to play with urgency once they were in trouble. This has been a pattern throughout the season. Instead of taking control from the first whistle, they allow their opponents to build confidence and momentum. By the time they react, they are already chasing the game.
If Ferguson wants to succeed as Rangers’ long-term manager, he must find a way to change this mentality. His players need to start games the way they finished against Dundee—with intensity, aggression, and the desire to dominate from the outset.
One of the hallmarks of great Rangers teams in the past has been their ability to suffocate opposition sides early on, ensuring that they never get a foothold in the game. Right now, this team is doing the opposite—they are allowing teams to grow into matches and only respond when they are in danger of losing. That has to change.
Where Does Ferguson Go from Here?
Ferguson has identified the problem, which is an important first step. But now he has to prove that he can solve it. That will not be easy. Changing a team’s mentality is one of the hardest things to do in football, especially in the middle of a season.
One option is to introduce more physically imposing players into the starting lineup, particularly in midfield and defence. Rangers need to be stronger in duels and more aggressive in their pressing. Too often this season, they have been outmuscled by teams that should not be able to compete with them on paper.
Another key factor is leadership. Rangers need strong personalities on the pitch—players who can drive the team forward and ensure that standards do not drop. Right now, too many players are shrinking when faced with adversity. That is something Ferguson, as a former captain, will no doubt be looking to address.
Tactically, Ferguson may also need to rethink his approach. If Rangers are struggling to start games with intensity, perhaps a more direct, high-tempo style of play is required. Getting the ball forward quicker, increasing the pace of their attacks, and pressing higher up the pitch could all help set the right tone from the first minute.
A Defining Period for Rangers and Ferguson
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Ferguson’s future as Rangers manager. If he can find a way to instill the right mentality in his players and start producing more convincing performances, he could make a strong case for being given the job permanently.
However, if Rangers continue to struggle in games they should be winning comfortably, the club may look elsewhere for a long-term solution.
For Rangers, the goal is clear: they must develop a winning mentality that allows them to control games from start to finish, rather than reacting when it is too late. If they can do that, they will be in a much stronger position to challenge for silverware. If they cannot, their problems will continue, and Ferguson’s time in the dugout may be short-lived.
The win over Dundee might have been dramatic, but it was far from convincing. Now, Ferguson must ensure that it was a turning point rather than another warning sign.